When Adaugo was about to deliver her third baby, complications arose. She needed specialized care at a city hospital. Oshimiri lacked the funds, but once again, Okoko stepped in. "Please, take this money," Okoko insisted. “Get Adaugo the best care possible in the city.”

Despite their efforts, Adaugo tragically died during childbirth, leaving Oshimiri alone with three children. In the years that followed, Oshimiri struggled with his eldest son, Anaele. Grieving his mother's death, Anaele abandoned his education and fell into bad company. "Life has no meaning, father," Anaele would often say. “Why should I bother with school or anything else?”

Oshimiri sought help from various police officers, psychologists and even pastors to help talk sense into his son, but to no avail.

Meanwhile, Okoko's fortunes grew. By 1985, he had married and had children too, amassed considerable wealth, and employed many people. As he was getting older, he decided to return to his roots and moved back to Amala, entrusting his city business to a young man named Ikenna, also from Amala."I trust you with everything, Ikenna," Okoko said. "You are like a son to me."
Upon relocating, Okoko carried substantial cash and maintained sizeable bank accounts. Only his wife and Ikenna knew the personal identification number for his bank cards. However, Ikenna harbored dishonest intentions. With his settlement date approaching, he plotted to steal from his master.

(To be continued……)

Note: All names and places in this story are fictional. The writer is not depicting real individuals.